In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus. Product specifications and comparison sources are linked below.
Stratus and Anagram both work with open capture formats, but they fill different roles for guitarists and bassists. Stratus adds up to three native NAM A2-Lite blocks, included effects, looping, and FX Builder 2.0 to a compact mono pedal. Anagram brings its modeling, routing, screen, and stage connections into a larger workstation. The choice is whether you want to expand a rig you already like or consolidate more of it into one device.
Three NAM models, one Stratus preset. With the latest Chaos Audio app and Stratus firmware 1.0.100, Stratus runs up to three NAM A2-Lite models simultaneously in a single preset/chain, using your own uploads or TONE3000 captures. Each NAM block now uses roughly half the CPU it used before this update; other effects still share the pedal’s processing budget.
As of September 17, 2026, Stratus is the only factory-built compact pedal under US$300 we’re aware of that natively runs three NAM A2-Lite models simultaneously in one preset/chain. Its price is $299. See the latest Stratus and FX Builder 2.0 update.
The short version
- Stratus: Compatible guitar or bass captures, a five-minute looper, and effects you can create in a mono pedal.
- The alternative: Anagram combines bass-focused models, a touchscreen, extensive routing, and balanced or stereo outputs.
- Start with the rig: decide which sound, control, or connection you need before comparing catalog totals.
Side by side
| Chaos Audio Stratus | Darkglass Anagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $1,199.99 (Guitar Essentials edition: $1,299.99) |
| What it is | Compact multi-effects + NAM amp modeler with a generative AI effects builder | Flagship touchscreen bass workstation built on open neural modeling |
| Processor | 1 GHz CPU running embedded Linux | Hexacore DSP running KosmOS (modular Linux), 32-bit/48kHz |
| NAM support | Up to 3 native NAM A2-Lite blocks simultaneously; firmware 1.0.100 and latest app; shared CPU budget | NAM and AIDA-X; three simultaneous NAM profiles supported. Manufacturer latency figures depend on configuration |
| TONE3000 access | 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000, all compatible with Stratus; browse and install through the Chaos Audio app | TONE3000 block (KosmOS 1.17) — browse Tonepacks on-device via Darkglass Suite |
| Signal chain | Any order, limited by CPU, not slots | 12 blocks in series or 24 in parallel, drag-and-drop on the touchscreen |
| Effects | 19 free effects covering all effect categories; custom FX Builder 2.0 effects; the chain shares the CPU budget | 50+ built-in, bass-focused, including Darkglass's signature drive circuits |
| Generative AI | FX Builder 2.0: describe, audition, refine, and install custom effects; 30 free AI builds every month | None |
| Third-party platform | Free community effects and presets on Chaos Cloud; custom effects with FX Builder 2.0 | Anagram Marketplace + plugins like Entropia; upgradeable DSP architecture |
| Looper | 5 minutes, unlimited overdubs; MIDI-controllable | One-touch looper, runs independently of presets, full MIDI CC map |
| Control | Bluetooth app; 2 footswitches; 14 hands-free presets, 128 stored | 7" high-brightness touchscreen; 6 endless knobs; 3 footswitches (Preset/Scene/Stomp) |
| Outputs | Mono 1/4" | 2× 1/4" + 2× XLR (ground lift), stereo; headphone out with 3 gain levels |
| FX loop / expression | None | Send/return doubling as stereo loop or expression input |
| MIDI | Full USB-MIDI map (host adapter required) | 3.5mm TRS in + out, USB MIDI, per-preset/scene PC & CC out |
| Power | 9V DC 400 mA+ or USB-C | 9–12V DC 1.7A+ (adapter included) or USB-C PD — runs off a power bank |
| Recording | Record the analog output through an external audio interface; no USB audio interface | USB-C audio interface with D.I. |
| Best for | Guitarists or bassists adding captures and custom effects to an existing mono rig | Players who need its bass models, touchscreen, routing, and balanced/stereo connections |
Three makers, one library
Anagram’s KosmOS 1.17 adds TONE3000 browsing; Stratus browses the same library through the Chaos Audio app. All 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000 are compatible with Stratus: each has been retrained to A2, with both Lite and Full modes included. Stratus uses Lite mode within its effects chain.
What the flagship buys
Anagram brings Darkglass models, a touchscreen, physical controls, and balanced outputs into a workstation. Its serial and parallel routing is relevant for players who need to manage several paths within the unit. Published processing and latency figures describe the manufacturer’s configuration; they are not measurements from a controlled comparison with Stratus.
What the $299 pedal answers
A bassist can start with Subspace compression or Spectrobass EQ, add captured pedal and amp stages, and shape another effect around that chain. For example, describe a modulation effect that stays subtle under the dry bass, audition it in FX Builder 2.0, ask for a change, and install the result. The same process works for guitar. Once installed, sounds run locally without a connected phone or internet. Hear FX Builder 2.0 examples; the demonstrations on that page are software-rendered.
FX Builder 2.0 is now on mobile. Build effects directly in the Chaos Audio app for iOS and Android, then use them in your Stratus chain alongside NAM captures. These current app screenshots show the builder and a finished effect.
A Chain for Guitar or Bass
Stratus supports bass as well as guitar. Its included effects contain Subspace bass compression and Spectrobass EQ, so a bassist can shape a captured drive or amp around an existing DI or amp. Anagram’s bass-focused models and stage connections are useful if those are the functions your setup needs; choosing Stratus can be about the workflow and footprint even when budget is flexible.
Cost of ownership
Stratus is US$299 with 19 free effects covering all effect categories, 30 free AI builds every month in FX Builder 2.0, and access to all 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000. See the product page for configuration, regional pricing, and shipping estimates.
Which should you buy?
Choose Stratus if your amp, DI, and stage connections already suit you and you want a compact way to add bass or guitar captures and tailored effects. Prepare the sound in the app, then recall the installed chain while playing.
Choose Anagram when its routing, physical controls, and balanced or stereo connections are requirements for your rig.
Sources
- Darkglass — Anagram product page & KosmOS changelog (price, specs, I/O, TONE3000 block, Marketplace, MIDI map)
- Sweetwater — Anagram listing (hexacore detail, 3 NAM profiles at 1.3 ms, model fidelity)
- Gear Gods — Anagram Guitar Essentials edition (guitar edition pricing and contents)
- Gearnews — Anagram announcement (MOD Audio collaboration, AIDA-X support)
- TONE3000 — NAM Architecture 2 (A2) (test methodology and results; code and data are open source)
- Chaos Audio — Stratus product page (Stratus specs and pricing)
- Chaos Audio — three NAM blocks, firmware 1.0.100, and FX Builder 2.0 on mobile
Explore Stratus, its included effects, and current availability.
